China's appetite for luxury food has quickly disappeared after general secretary Xi Jinping instituted reforms two months prior. Upscale careering has dropped as much as 35 percent, according to the nation's Ministry of Commerce.
Corruption in the upper ranks has long rankled both party elite and common people. High profile trials, with sever punishments handed down, have been used to send a strict message. The Community Party seeks to project a lean and efficient image to its people and the world.
Luxury food items include shark fin, abalone, expensive alcohol and other goods. Purchasing lavish items, such as luxury watches and collectibles, has also been discouraged.
Recent conservation movements include a "Clear the Plate" initiative by online activists, in which restaurants are encouraged to decrease food waste. The military has also pitched in, with leftover rice and other foods reportedly being recycled into other dishes.
This is not the first effort to stamp out luxury spending, but previous efforts have had mixed results. The long-term effect on the luxury food industry remains to be seen.
